Eric Cantor seeks financial help

Eric Cantor’s stunning primary defeat is leaving his campaign in a financial bind.

The Virginia Republican’s political operation has asked his House GOP colleagues to cut checks so he can wind down his once-powerful campaign committee, as well as pay his campaign staffers and cover any other related costs stemming from his stunning defeat last month.

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Under federal law, Cantor would also have to repay any funds meant for the general election spent during his unsuccessful primary campaign battle against fellow Republican Dave Brat. Since he lost and has no general election in November, Cantor would be required to return those general-election contributions to the donors.

Several lawmakers and GOP aides said Cantor needs to raise upwards of $150,000 to shut down his campaign committee, perhaps far more.

Doug Heye, Cantor’s deputy chief of staff, confirmed that campaign aides have solicited GOP lawmakers for donations since his June 10 defeat. Cantor himself has not asked colleagues for money.

The development marks a dramatic turn of events for Cantor, who has long been one of Washington’s top fundraisers. Cantor, who spent years traversing the country to raise money for himself, the Republican Party and other GOP candidates, now has to raise money from his colleagues to repay donors.

Cantor was not only generous with his time, but also free with his campaign money. He frequently cut checks for candidates and hosted dinners for lawmakers at restaurants all over Washington.

Cantor will step down from his post as majority leader July 31. Republicans tapped Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as the next majority leader.

Cantor’s and Brat’s financial situations will become clear in the next week, when both campaigns file their quarterly campaign finance reports.

But roughly two weeks before the primary election, Cantor had a huge financial advantage over Brat. In a report before the primary, Cantor had $1.5 million in his reelection account, while Brat had $83,870.